Plexi Tone Question

[mikeboone]

Does anyone have direct experience with using a 50W Plexi style circuit to play heavy rock?

For instance, using a pedal like a Metal Zone or Marshall Jackhammer???

I am ordinarly a blues guy, but I was asked into a band that is covering alternative songs and I thought I'd give it a go, but all my amps are geared towards blues.

I am currently using a AB763 clone built as just the Normal Channel of a Super Reverb. It soulds OK through a 2x12 closed back cab, but its bass heavy and kinda flabby for heavy stuff. I really dont want to mod it as it is set up really nice for blues, so I am considering building the Plexi clone.

I was just wondering a few things...

1. Does a Plexi50 have tighter low end than a Super Reverb?
2. What is the primary tone difference between KT66 & EL34.
3. Hows the clean headroom on a Plexi? More so with KT66 or EL34?

I think A tight low end and clean headroom would make the amp "pedal friendly"

Any thoughts???

[OverDriven]

A Plexi with a boost (forget the Metal zone and Jackhammer...they are distortions and sound horrible) like a Boss SD-1 can get into heavy rock territory, but not metal. If you just want heavier rock, you can probably go with the Plexi. If you want a more metal sound, consider a boosted JCM 800 (if you like the Marshall sound...Slayer used them) or if you want something more modern, perhaps something like an SLO 100 clone with a few mods and even boosted with an SD-1 as well.

[txstrat]

I don't wanna sound like a slyboots, but have you tried your amp with a good pedal like TS-9 or something similar while using a humbucker guitar? I think that will drive your SR just fine for heavy rock (maybe tinker around with the tone stack). Not a metal tone, tho. But it will spare you a lot of work. Or are you looking for a reason for a new build (like i'm doing all the time )

[PRNDL]

I am currently using a AB763 clone built as just the Normal Channel of a Super Reverb. It soulds OK through a 2x12 closed back cab, but its bass heavy and kinda flabby for heavy stuff. I really dont want to mod it as it is set up really nice for blues, so I am considering building the Plexi clone.
I think A tight low end and clean headroom would make the amp "pedal friendly"

There's a lot to be said about the Super Reverb as a fantastic amp, although it does take some thought and experimentation to get a great distortion sound.

First off, most of the stuff on the web is not to be trusted, for a variety of simple reasons. This means that you have to try things yourself, which is a learning experience.

IMHO, The suggestion of a TS-9 is right on the money, although you might want to try a TS-808 (it's predecessor).

Build your own clone (dot com) is a great site for you. The sound clips will be very close to what you're going to get with your amp.

Also, the Fender "Magic Six" settings are volume on 6, treble on 3 and bass on 2. Most people are surprised at the bass being set that low, but that's the deal.

I'm certain others will chime in with helpful advice.

[txstrat]

IMHO, The suggestion of a TS-9 is right on the money, although you might want to try a TS-808 (it's predecessor).

PRNDL you are right. I shouldn't have used the name of any stomp box although it should be an example only. I myself own a few expensive ones but also some very inexpensive ones like the Behringer effects and to me they sound great - always according to the price.

And to add some to your magic six - some midrange (we all know older Fenders don't have a midrange pot) can be added through a stomp box like above too.

[withnail]

I believe the "magic six" setting is.... 6/volume 6/treble 3/mid 2/bass.

[withnail]

Well...after doing a search on "magic six", I found several "formulas". What's funny is... not all Fender amps have the knobs attached at the same numeric reading. If you remove a knob.. then put it back on, what USED to be 6/treble, may NOW be 7/treble.